HONG KONG: News Corp technology arm NDS today announced the opening of its set-top box (STB) testing and integration laboratory in Seoul, South Korea.

The lab will support NDS's agreements with many leading Korean set-top box manufacturing companies, providing them with the ability to test and integrate NDS technology into their products in Seoul. The center has been recognized as a significant boost for the rapidly expanding pay-TV market in Korea, according to a company release.

The Korean STB manufacturers who have immediately started integration projects at the center include DMT, emTech, Global Tech, HDT, Humax, LGE, Samsung and Seodu Inchip.

NDS opened the lab in Korea because it is home to the largest number of set-top box manufacturers in the world, and Korea also has a rapidly growing domestic pay-TV market. The laboratory also functions beyond its domestic requirements, and provides support for the entire Asia Pacific region including, China, Taiwan, India, Australia and New Zealand, the release says.

Among the broadcasters and network operators the Asia Pacific region that have opted for NDS products are SkyLife in South Korea, CCTV and Sichuan Provincial Network in China, and China Network Systems in Taiwan.